Hull manager Steve Bruce believes former club Manchester United deserve criticism for the manner in which they sacked Louis van Gaal.

United announced on Monday van Gaal’s turbulent two-year spell in charge had come to an end but his departure had been widely reported shortly after his players had lifted the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday.

Bruce, who won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup on three occasions during 11 years as a player at Old Trafford, said United’s handling of van Gaal and the likely subsequent announcement that Jose Mourinho will succeed him was not befitting of the club.

“Looking back on it I’m sure they’ll be disappointed again how it’s been handled because that’s not great from the club which always sets the highest standards,” Bruce told the media before his side’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

“But then again football is a changing world an the one thing about managers now is we get used to getting the sack unfortunately.”

Bruce’s former team-mate Ryan Giggs has been offered a role at United but speculation is mounting that he could end his near 29-year association with the club.